Experience Book

Category >> Immigrant Matters (Green card and related) >> Family Based Green Cards - Through Marriage or a Relative

Family Based Green Cards - Through Marriage or a Relative

Filter By	Records/ page Sort By
After Before Name After Before	[prev] [1] [2] [3] [4] [next]

11) Comments: Got approved today.....sharing our experience

Guys,

We got approved at the LA DO office this morning and wanted share our experience.

Our appt was scheduled for 9:35 am and we got in the waiting room at 9am. Submitted the appt letter to a lady and waited for our names to be called. I would say 8 out of 10 pple had their lawyers with them. I used my lawyer to file the paperwork but saw no point bringing him for the interview paying $650 extra. However, we consulted with the lawyer last week to prep for the interview.

Anyways, our name was called out finally at 10:10am. Officer Rios called our names and led us to his office room. He introduced himself first and swore us before we took our seat. First thing he asked us what is our relationship? Then he asked for IDs and docs showing both our names to establish our relationship. We only had joint bank a/c statement and car insurance contract stating both our names.

While I was taking them out from the folder, the IO started asking questions to my wife....name, age, address, when we got married, place of birth etc. The questions did not follow any patterns but most sounded like straight cut details from the forms filed. He ticked off and wrote small comments after each answers.

Then he turned to me. Double checked some details right from the forms. I provided him with the social security number which was not mentioned when we filed the forms. He took a note of that. He then moved to the legendary "no" questions.

He then started talking our home country and how we had good shrimps from there. He started numerous questions regarding our home country and was just talking off the records. While talking to us, he was filling out numerous internal forms. Through the edge of my eye, I saw him signing off on the welcome letter. He also attached the evidence we provided, my EAD card, and photocopies we provided to the file. He then took my social security card, my wife's DL and some docs and asked us to wait...he is gonna be back soon.

When he returned he said congrats, smiled, you have been approved and you will receive your card in 2-3weeks. I asked him should we celebrate.....he said....yeah just dont get too drunk. We thanked him and smiled.

Voluntarily, i asked him so there is no issue with my namecheck? He replied back what is that and having an expression that he doesnt have any clue what i am talking. He laughed and said sounds like you are not happy with the good news I gave you?

He said ok since its a concern for you, let me double check. He then spent around 7-10 mins on his computer completing different forms online. He then turned and said you are all set.

He said congrats....welcome to the US to me, shook our hands and said you can celebrate now. He gave us the welcome letter and another instruction page detailing about the 2-yr conditional GC. We thanked him back and left the office.

The officer was in his 50s-60s from Philipino, very polite and friendly. When we came out, we realize that we were inside for almost 40 mins. Most of that time he spent writing down.

So, in a nut shell it was lengthy but a pleasant experience.

For more info on this topic please click here

Name: starlet

Location: United States

Posted on: Nov 5, 2008

Email this link to friend(s)

12) Comments: GC Interview Seattle DO
The interview took place @ 11:45 a.m. but we had been there for over an hour. There were at least another 50 couples waiting and as some couples left new couples would arrive, so the room had about 100 people waiting at all times.

Our IO was a really nice, young, fashionable and very serious Asian lady. Very tiny too she called us to her office introduced herself, and asked us to raise our right hands and swear that we would be telling only the true today. She asked if we had our IDs and passports with us, and I presented her with the file I had prepared for the interview. She verified that the address was still valid. The questions were:
Where did you meet?
Were you a student at that time?
What school were you attending to?
What was your major?
What was the name of the school you graduated from?
Did you have an engagement ceremony?
Did you have a reception?
To petitioner: Where did you work before? (We moved to Seattle from Michigan, and that's where we met.)
What documents do you have that can prove you have common assets or a relationship?

These questions were not asked just one after the other, but as part of a very formal conversation, and they were not asked to either one of us, so one of us would start the story, and the other one would continue...

At the end she took the following documents: joint accounts bank statements, car insurance, joint Amex statement, and corporate health insurance indicating our married status (and me as beneficiary because I'm still job hunting.) Finally, she looked at some pictures, but didn't keep any with her. Her feedback was very positive, she said she didn't need the pictures because they rather see the people interacting during the interview. She said that people's behavior tells a lot more than the pictures.

It was very smooth, and I'm certain we've got approved: now the question is when will we get the notification. She said we should hear from them in 2 weeks, but I'm hoping for next Tuesday.

For more info on this topic click here

Name: Kirkland

Location: United States

Posted on: Nov 5, 2008

Email this link to friend(s)

13) Comments: I had my interview today at 11:30 am in Philadelphia.

11:15 Went through security then directed to the appropriate waiting room;

There were other couples, and I must say the office really looked busy as there were many IO�s. Well I assumed they were at the rate in which families being interviewed were going in and out.

Our chance came eventually and we were called in by a fine lady, whose first thing was to swear us in. She appeared like she wanted to laugh through some of the proceedings although she kept a serious look.

Some of the questions asked;

1. Where did you guys meet?
2. When did you guys meet?
3. How long have you known each other for?
4. Where were you married?

You know the background type of stuff, as she was trying to figure out the rapport between us. All this introductory stuff took say 3 minutes, and then she jumped into the usual terrorism questions that are on the I-485 form. To all of which I said NO.

She then asked for proof that we had lived/live together, and for that we presented:
1. A lease agreement;
2. Bank statements;
3. Insurance policies (auto & and health);
4. A retirement policy that has my wife as the 100% beneficiary in case I kick the bucket.

I think that was about it. We had all these cards on the table too that bore both our names, like the insurance, AAA stuff, and that kind of built her confidence in us. She then said you guys are approved, and you will receive your card in 2 weeks. I think it all took 20 minutes tops.

I asked for a stamp in my passport but she said they only give it when there is a proven need. Like she has no authority to give it, but her supervisor does. I already have my EAD card, so I thought I�d throw in the towel here.

Myredskins is now a US resident , good luck to those still in the hunt!

For more info on this topic click here

Name: myredskins

Location: United States

Posted on: Sep 24, 2007

Email this link to friend(s)

14) Comments: My today's experience at the interview in San Antonio

We are back from San Antonio and I was APPROVED!!!!
The interview was at 2.30pm, we got there at 2pm and went through the security and went to the waiting room, nobody even checked or told us what to do with the �invitation� letter, but luckily I asked the lady at the information desk and she instructed me to give the letter to the guards, they put me on the list and I signed it. And 5 minutes later an IO is calling my name. Together with him me and my husband took the elevator to the third floor. Inside the elevator the IO asked us how we were and where we were coming from (small talk�). When we got into his room he told us to sit down (and didn�t even swear us in�. psssst!). He saw we brought 2 big folders of documents and 2 photo albums, so he right away asked for one of the albums (he didn�t check our ids). While looking at the photos, he told us we were his last interviewees (and he kind of let us know he was already tired�. maybe he just wanted to take us off guard� they have their tricks), but going through the photos he started asking questions: how old we were, where we had met, how long this whole dating had been going on for, he asked about some particular places in the photos, and made some nice comments, he even told me I was very photogenic. There was a photo of my parents and my husband, he thought it was his parents, and I clarified these were my parents, and then we talked about my husband�s trip to Poland. He asked him how long he stayed there. He asked about my brother (he was in the photo), and commented on my dog (he thought it was my husband�s dog because he was holding him like a baby he, he, he... cute). He also asked my husband about his job (he is a realtor), so he asked about the real estate market. He asked him where he was born, when he moved to Austin, why, where he lived after moving here. He also said that we travel a lot and that maybe he should start traveling, too. Then he glanced at the other album (our wedding photo album), asked where we got married and if we had any guests. He also asked me about my job. Oh one more thing, at the beginning of the interview his first comment was that my husband was nervous, so he explained that it was just the anticipation of the interview, so the IO said that usually people think that the IO is going to be a jerk (???), we didn�t say anything, just smiled.
Then he asked if we have anything that would prove that we live together so that he could include it in his file, so I asked if car insurance and joint bank account statements would do, he said these would be fine, we said we had also mail, he didn�t want it, didn�t even look at it. (We had many more docs and proofs but I guess it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.) So he stapled those 2 things in the file, and he also was flipping through the file continuously, like without any reason. He asked for my passport, looked carefully at it, took my I-94 out, and he said that he would stamp my passport, the visa should come in 2-3 weeks, but just in case if it got stuck somewhere, he is putting that stamp, it serves as a green card and is valid for a year. And he also asked me if I had any travel documents or work permit, I said I only had a work permit. First he said he didn�t need it, but then he said that he would take it because I wouldn�t need it anymore since this stamp also serves as EAD. He gave me my passport back and asked me 2 �NO-questions�, he used his words and asked if I had ever been arrested and if I had any problems with the immigration here or in my country. And all of a sudden he has a phone call and leaves the room �for 2 minutes�. We tried not to talk during this time he was gone (who knows maybe it was some trick, maybe we were being recorded), he came back after 10 minutes!!!. He apologized. The last thing he asked was how long we had been married, and explained the removal of the conditions (wrote it on a piece of paper for us), and he was stressing that they had to do it to make sure the marriage is for real (�lots of people come here and are not in real marriage�). Then he thanked us, and took us back to the elevator, went down with us, wished us a good day The interview lasted 15 minutes not counting the time when he left the office

PS. I just wanted to add that the IO told me apply for SSN after the visa comes, but since I already have it, to wait for the removal of the restriction on it.
I also got 2 LUDs (the same message 2 times) 1,5 hours after the interview. The message was "Notice welcoming the new permanent resident sent".

For more info on this topic click here

Name: MagdaJ

Location: United States

Posted on: Sep 24, 2007

Email this link to friend(s)

15) Comments: A P P R O V E D - In Atlanta, GA. Today!

Hey Everyone!

We got approved in Atlanta today. Everything went really well, but anyways I wanted to share my experience with all of you:

Left from Alabama at 7:30 AM. Took us about Two hours to get there.

The DO is a 3 story building with the USCIS logo and name... impressive and yet scary.

We entered they building at 11:23 AM and went through the security (metal detector and x-rays) Make sure you empty your pockets!

Went to the 3rd floor and it is all for Adjustment of Status cases. Went to to the window and a nice lady took my interview notice and used a machine to stamp the date and time on it. She also checked our name on a list of interviews for the day.

We were told to wait, and so we did for about 1 hour.

There were quite a few other couples, and some family groups. Some lawyers too. Mostly the people with lawyers seemed clueless about immigration stuff and not prepared (did not bring enough evidence with them).

Anyways, after waiting.... Officer J. B. called us to his office. He mispronounced my last name so I corrected him . He asked us to sit down (did not matter where) and asked for our IDs (Passports, SSN Cards, Driver Licenses). We gave them to him and we were sworn in. (Raise your right hand and say that everything you are about to answer is the truth).

Then the officer pulled out my A-File (Alien File, folder full of documents including the envelope I used to mail back the RFE).

He started asking my wife her address, place of birth, phone number, social security number. Then he asked me the same questions, basically he was reading of the I-130. And making sure we were who we said we are.

Then he asked me how I entered the country. Where? What visa?. I answered and told him about traveling on AP.

I must admit I was a bit nervous at first. But after the few initial questions we all relaxed. Specially after telling him about our ordeal with secondary inspection and almost missing our flight last night.

He kept pressing on me, about my SSN (which I do not have) and where do I work (I do not work yet). He asked me twice. He also asked me my parents first names. And asked us both if our signatures were the ones on each of the forms.

He asked my wife how she met me, and if she had filed to sponsor another immigrant before, asked her how long she knew me before we got married and asked us both (more than once) if we had even been married/had children ANYWHERE else in the planet. He asked me if I had ever filed for residency or benefits. Also asked If I ever had been in removal proceedings (deportation).

He seemed to have a problem with the I-864, because my wife's (sponsor) income last year was wayyyy under the poverty guidelines. But I had an employment letter and pay stubs ready (she got a new job January this year, so we now meet the poverty guidelines by a long shot now).

He then asked for any joint documents and I produced them. He did not even look at them. I told him we did not have many things together (Except for Apartment Lease, Car Title, Netflix Subscription, Water Bill -that i pay-, Joint Bank accounts). Because I do not have a SNN = no credit = no bills on my name.

I told him we had lots of pictures, but he said it was OK he did not need to see them.

Then he asked me EACH and EVERY one of the "have you ever" (been a terrorist, killed someone, etc) and "do you plan to" (practice espionage, practice polygamy, overthrown the US government, etc) Questions... NO KIDDING, He asked ALL of them. To which I answered all "NO".

He said "Well, you guys are the first EASY case I have had today" and that made my day!

Then he got his keys and UNLOCKED a drawer and produced the Approval Stamp. He did not stamp my passport and I did not ask. It was interesting that they LOCK the stamp in a drawer!

He stamped forms in two places, inside my A-file and asked me for my AP document. Asked me If I planned to travel again, and I said December. He said I should have my Resident Card within 1 month, so I would not need it anymore and he took it! He did not take my I-94 (Paroled) from my passport.

So I dared to ask: "Does that mean that I cleared the FBI name check?" and he said "Yeah! everything cleared for you!" and I thought YAY!

He was getting up to make copies of everything and I told him "I already got copies made for you" he smiled and sat down, and said "You were really WELL PREPARED" (So I advice you, make copies of everything you bring and produce it only when asked. Have it organized with tabs, so you can find it quickly.)

He printed out something signed it, and put it on my A-file and told me that concludes the interview! I asked him so I just wait for the mail right? Shook his hand and we left.

That was it! We were approved. We of course kept our composure until we got on the elevator, and then we hugged and kissed .

Now, He did not say ANYTHING about the Conditions on my Permanent Residency, nor mentioned anything about the 2 years card, or I-751. Which makes me wonder... did I get a 10-year card?! even though we have been married for 4 months and 1 day?

But that was my experience! I hope it helps you all. Thank you so much for your prayers and support! and Do not worry, I will stay in touch!

I have had no LUDs or Emails yet. But I will keep you all posted!.

Prae.- Resident

For more info on this topic click here

Name: PraetorianXI

Location: United States

Posted on: Aug 14, 2007

Email this link to friend(s)

16) Comments: Successful FTJ @ Chennai 2007
For more information on this topic click here

My wife got FTJ IV visa stamped in her passport in Chennai. EB3 - PD 4/30/2001.

Below is the process, in her words, she went thru:

Medicals:

Called two days ahead for a 10.00 AM appointment with "Lister METROPOLIS Laboratory Research Center Pvt. Ltd" and a 4.00 PM appointment with "Dr. Mathai Thomas".
Flew in from Hyderabad to Chennai, had in-flight breakfast, took a taxi from airport to the Lab, 30 min ride.
In and out in 1 hr with the lab tests and x-ray. Went back around 3.00 PM to collect the reports.
Went to Dr. Thomas, straight from the lab. He examined the reports and filled out the medical forms, including the vaccination report. Strangely he gave a report in an open envelope and refused to seal it. He insisted that it is OK to have it not sealed. Consulate didn�t say a word!! � 30 min @ the doctor.
Lunch and shopping in T-Nagar area between 11.00 AM � 3.00 PM
Back to airport and Hyderabad, with the doctor reports, lab reports and x-ray.
Police Clearance Certificate:

Filed for a PCC in the local passport office. Stood in the misc. applications line at 6.00 AM in Secunderabad. Luckily, ladies have a separate and shorter line. They will keep your original passport and ask you to come back in 4 days to collect the report.
Filled out a PCC request form in the police commissioner�s office, much longer and unstructured/unwieldy process. Takes up to 15 days for the report.
VFS:

Applicants in India are required to submit their relevant documents at a local VFS office, 10 days in advance, prior to the interview.

Lady at the counter took the following documents.

Interview letter copy.
DS-230
Medical reports
Police Clearance Certificate PCC
Employment certificate copy.
Visa Photos
Applicant�s marriage certificate (Original)
Marriage Photos as secondary proof.
Applicant�s Date of birth NON availability cert. (Original)
Copy of the passport
Trip to Chennai:

Bought a round trip flight tickets on yatra.com
Booked a room @ Courtyard Chennai, using 10,000 Marriott points online. Half mile from the Consulate and half hour from airport.
Demand Draft for IV fees.
I-134 was filled out and signed by the petitioner but NOT notarized. Apparently all consulates in India are accepting the new I-134 forms w/o notarization.
Interview Day:

8.00 AM - Stood in line outside the gate.
No cell phones, Hand bags or Umbrellas. It�s just easier to carry your papers in a clear plastic envelope.
Lady inside asked for the below docs.
Interview letter
Medical reports. (I�ve misplaced my X-ray but fortunately she didn�t insist for it.)
Visa Fees
Passport
Employment letter Original
I-134 original (She asked for the W2s and 1040s and noted in the file as missing.)
Secondary evidence for the Date of Birth. Either an Affidavit or a 10th class marks certificate. She refused to acknowledge the DOB in the passport and noted in the file that secondary proof is missing. VFS lady to be blamed for not making us aware of it.
Took a seat and waited in the lounge for my turn. There is an American lady with a scarf around her head. She speaks a bit of Urdu and a bit of Telugu. Noticed more counters working.
My turn now. Lady Consular officer is in mid 30s. Very courteous and engaging. She is looking thru the file that already has all my docs and the notes about missing ones. She asked me to raise my hand and Oath that everything in the DS-230 is true. Then she asked me a few questions about myself.
Do you currently work in a Govt. or a Pvt. Research organization? Govt.
What kind of research do you do? Researcher in Microbiology.
What are your future areas of interest? Genetics.
Are you planning to work in USA? Yes.
Have you applied to any Universities for education? No.
What is your highest degree? Post Grad. PhD in progress.
Any kids? No.
She took my finger prints
Then handed me a green sheet 221(g) and mentioned that she is unable to issue the visa right away. But asked me to just submit the below documents at the nearest VFS office to avoid another trip to the consulate.
Evidence of Economic Support:
Copy of Petitioner�s U.S. federal income tax return (form 1040) for 2005.
W-2 form for the Petitioner for 2005.
Other:
Birth Affidavits or Secondary evidence for birth such as school record.
Once again she assured me that it�s just a procedural formality and shouldn�t take longer than a week to issue the Visa once the documents are submitted.
She returned all the important documents back, including the marriage cert., marriage photos, passport, etc.
Out of the consulate by 11.30
Back in Hyderabad:

Waited till 4th week of January for 2006 W2 to be issued. Downloaded the W2 from ADP�s i-pay website in PDF format.
Got on HRBLOCK website and filed the 1040EZ and D-400 state taxes.
Took a print out of the 1040EZ, D-400 state taxes and W2 for 2006.
Signed and initialed on all the pages.
Dug out the 10th class marks cert. Now we are ready to head to the VFS office.
VFS 2nd Time:

A different lady this time. She collected the below docs.

221(g) Original
Passport Original
Secondary Birth evidence, 10th class cert. Original
1040EZ, D-400, W2 for 2006. We took a chance and submitted the latest instead of 2005 that is mentioned in the 221(g). It was easier for us to gather the 2006 docs, online, instead of digging up 2005 docs.
Cover letter to the C.O. , requesting for expediting the process and shorten our family separation.
Paid for the courier fee.
Docs submitted to VFS on Feb-02-2007.

Courier received on Feb-09-2007. Seven days only! True to C.O�s word.

It contains the stamped passport and a sealed envelope (DO NOT OPEN caution on the top). IV visa looks just like any other NIV USA visa except it says IV & E3.

Visa is valid for 6 months; applicant should travel to US within those six months to avoid further issues.

For more information on this topic click here

Name: Successful FTJ @ Chennai 2007

Location: United States

Posted on: Mar 12, 2007

Email this link to friend(s)

17) Comments: Updated Timeline

Please see signature for updated timeline. Really impressed with how quickly this case has been processed.

We got married in May and dont live together because of our work situation but I have the following documents so far :

NOTE : The joint financial stuff is only a month old since we just got married in May.

FINANCIAL STUFF
------------------
1. Joint savings account
2. Joint credit card
3. Added her name to my apartment lease
4. We are 100% beneficiaries on each others 401 k's , life insurance etc.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
----------------------
5. Phone bills for 2 years or so
6. Emails, correspndence
7. Air tickets showing when she travelled to my place and vice versa. Also have air tickets for a trip we took together.
8. Lots of pictures from the 2 years that we have known each other.

Let me know what you guys think about the documentation and if theres anything else that I should have.

Thanks again for all your help. This forum has been a very useful resource in preparing my application and understanding the process in general.

For more information on this topic click here

Name: harry79

Location: United States

Posted on: Aug 23, 2006

Email this link to friend(s)

18) Comments: Got good news to share!!

Hi everyone,

I've got good news to share ,

I received 6mails from USCIS last night that my 1-485 & I-130 have been approved and my approval letter & welcome letter was mail yesterday

I just want to say thank you to everyone on this forum; your kind words, encouragement & prayers has help make the waiting a success. I deeply appreciate your help, support & friendship.

I pray that everyone still waiting will get their name check clear soon

Cheers

Name: justnew

Location: United States

Posted on: Aug 23, 2006

Email this link to friend(s)

19) Comments: GC for Parents - AOS and CP - Information Source

One can petition for parents only if the petitioner is US Citizen. GC holder or LPR cannot apply for parents.

Parents cases of USC are processed differently from the Spouse of USC though they come under the same category.

If parents are already in US, they can go thru the AOS process or CP.

If parents are outside of US, they can go thru the CP only.

For Whom Are You Petitioning?

For AOS or CP, I-130 is the common form.

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Petition for Alien Relative (if you are filing for both parents, you must file a separate petition for each parent)
Filing Fee - $190.00 (Don't forget to check the USCIS for the latest)
A copy of petitioner's birth certificate showing your name and parent's name
If your name or your parent's name is different now than at the time of your birth, you must provide evidence of the legal name change.
A copy of your parents� civil marriage certificate (for father's application)
If you were not born in the United States , a copy of either your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship or your U.S. passport
In case of missing Birth Certificate:
Non-Availability Certificate from the Governmental Agency
Two affidavits from family members - from an older blood relative, i.e., a parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, who has personal knowledge of your birth

In case of missing Marriage Certificate:
Two affidavits from family members
Wedding Invitation

Affidavits must be notarized
Do not forget to include the certified translated copies of any letters provided in foreign language.

For AOS - Family-Based Applications - Immediate Relatives

Submit the following forms:

I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status
Fee - $395.00, includes $70.00 Biometrics Fee
Photographs - Two
Applicant Birth Certificate - see above in case of missing official Birth Certificate
Copy of Visa page(s)
Copy of I-94 - Both Sides
Visa Number is the one in RED
G-325A, Biographic Information
No Fee
Either your original I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (if you are filing concurrently), or a copy of your I-797, Notice of Action (if the petition was already approved).
I-864, Affidavit of Support
No Fee
Employment Verification letter
Copy of Tax Returns or Tax Transcripts - Last Three Years, recently changed to 1 year
Copy of W2 - Last Three Years, if filed Joint Tax Returns and only one of them is the sponsor
I-864A, if Co-Sponsor is needed and filed along with I-864. This form is needed if the main sponsor's income is not sufficient
No Fee
Co-Sponsors Employment Verification Letter
Co-Sponsors Copy of Tax Returns or Tax Transcripts - Last Three Years, recently changed to 1 year
Co-Sponsors Copy of W2 - Last Three Years, if filed Joint Tax Returns and only one of them is the sponsor
I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status
It has to be sealed
No Fee
All required supporting documentation as listed on the above forms.

You may download a package of all of these forms in PDF format (41 pages, 1.89 MB)

You may also submit the following forms:

G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative (if you have a lawyer)
No Fee
I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed
Fee - $ 180.00
Photographs - Two
Copy of I-94 - Both sides
I-131, Application for Travel Document, if you need to travel outside the United States while your application is processed
Fee - $ 170.00
Where to File - Concurrent Filing - I-130, I-485, I-131, I-765 - AOS
Chicago Lockbox
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago , IL 60680-4120

Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries (e.g. private couriers)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Attn: FBASI
427 S. LaSalle � 3rd Floor
Chicago , IL 60605-1098

Where to File - only I-485 after I-130 Approval
Apply at Chicago Lockbox

Where to File - only I-130 for CP
Apply at your Service Center

Cases Transferred to CSC - USCIS Statement

FBI Finger Print Status Check 304-625-5590 (press 3) - applied for I-485 - give them your Alien number
Consular Processing (CP)
What Does the National Visa Center Do?

After a Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in the United States approves the petition I-130, it sends the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC does the following:

* Assigns a case number
* Sends Form DS-3032 Choice of Address and Agent (../visa/frvi_forms.html ) to the applicant (your parents). The applicant selects an agent. The agent can be anyone, including the applicant. The NVC will mail all future letters (except for the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864) about processing the immigrant visa case to the agent. Make sure the postal address is correct and is kept up-to-date.
* Sends the bill for the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support processing to the petitioner
* Sends the I-864 Forms and Instructions to the petitioner after the petitioner pays the I-864 processing fee
* Sends the bill for immigrant visa (IV) processing fee to the agent after the applicant sends form DS-3032 Choice of Address and Agent, to the NVC
* Sends an instruction package to the agent after the agent pays the immigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-230
* Reviews information for technical correctness and completeness.
* Sends the petition to the embassy or consulate where the applicant will apply for a visa when the case file is complete

The exact contents of the Instruction Packet will depend on where the applicant will be interviewed for a visa.

Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants - Checklist

List of Consulates and Embassies

Visa Bulletin

For more information on this topic click here

Name: info

Location: United States

Posted on: Aug 23, 2006

Email this link to friend(s)

20) Comments: Interview in Los Angeles

Our interview was at the Federal Building in Los Angeles at 11am

I got a call from my attorney�s office at 8am saying he was taken ill to the hospital during the night and he can�t make it to the interview. The office said we can go by ourselves or they could postpone the interview.

After speaking with my wife we decided to go by ourselves. Part of me thought, �what a way to start the day� and another part of me was glad because I always thought taking an attorney might show that we had something to hide.

We got there at 10.45 and went up to Room 6001 and handed the notice and waited. I�ll admit I was quite nervous, even though we had a relatively straight forward case. At 11.15 an officer came out and called my name, we got up and walk up to him, he confirmed my name and said he wanted to interview me first and then later call my wife separately.

I followed him to his office and he swore me in and offered me a seat. He was pleasant enough and asked for IDs and passports. He asked about my attorney and I told him he was ill, so he asked me to sign a form which waives my right to my attorney and that he will get the transcript of the interview. He then explained about the conditional GC, as we have only been married for 16 months, and he even gave me the form to fill out in two years, which I thought was odd.
He went through my file and commented about my birth place, confirmed my medical and shots were good and confirmed my employment and salary. I volunteered my employment confirmation letter and pays stubs but he was not interested.

Then he started with the questions, when, where we met, how did our relationship grow, about our college and degrees (we met at grad school) how long we dated, how I proposed, where I got the ring, how much, how may carats . He asked about our home, phones, computers, carpets, sofas, our wedding and about my work.
He then asked for any joint docs we had, so I gave him, our joint tax returns, bank a/cs, insurance, credit cards, utility bills, phone bills, wife�s name change docs, airline tickets, and wedding receipts. He seemed impressed at the collection of joint docs and that I had photocopied everything for him. (he took the copies)
He zoomed through our 200 photo album and seemed happy. He said everything looked good so far and he would need to verify some information with my wife. He said my name check had come through but he needed to run another background check in the afternoon. And if everything went well he would approve the case later on in the day.

He kept my passport and showed me out and called my wife in.
She was interviewed for about 10 mins, and she was basically asked the same questions I was asked to see if our answers matched. After the questioning, she was informed that he was satisfied with the case; he needed to run a background check, and if there were no hits he would approve the case later on. He returned my passport and ID to her.

We walk out feeling the whole process was a big anticlimax, and wandered when I would really be approved, and what this �new� background check was, as I had not heard about it, even through this forum. I was a little annoyed our attorney was not there but I�m not sure what he could have done.

Well later on this evening I got about six case status emails, detailing I-130, I-485 case approved and an approval notice mailed; message. So you can now imagine we are happy bunnies and celebrating!

So apart for thanking the members of this forum, I wanted to emphasize the Interview FAQ doc was very useful to us as we didn�t think we would be interviewed separately but it happened and we were prepared.

For more information on this topic click here

Name: speedbird

Location: United States

Posted on: Aug 22, 2006

Email this link to friend(s)

[prev] [1] [2] [3] [4] [next]

Total Hits : 3956359 Unique Hits : 523725 Current Visitors Hits : 10
Developed and Maintained by Anthesys, Inc